Congresswoman Shelley Berkley released an analysis showing how the new Republican budget proposal would force Nevada retirees to pay higher health care costs as a result of cuts in Medicare. The report can be viewed here.

“Nevadans oppose Republican plans to turn Medicare into a voucher program that will force seniors in Las Vegas, Reno and across the Silver State to pay an extra $5,862 in health care costs,” said Berkley. “Their plan would also mean higher prescription drug costs for those on Medicare and the loss of more than $1.7 billion in Nevada funding for nursing home care and other needs covered under Medicaid.”

According to the findings compiled by the Democratic Policy and Communications Center, the Republican budget would force Nevada seniors to pay $5,862 more in out-of-pocket expenses for health care in the first year alone — more than double the cost under current law.

Republicans falsely claim Nevada seniors will not be impacted by the GOP’s plan, but starting next year, more than 26,700 Nevada seniors will be forced to pay $15 million more in prescription drug costs. The Republican budget also slashes billions in health care through Medicaid, putting seniors at risk.

Specifically:

The Republican plan to end Medicare will increase out-of-pocket health care costs for a typical 65 year-old Nevada senior by $5,862 in 2022 – more than double the cost under current law.

The Republican plan could force at least 7,800 Nevada seniors to pay over $828,000 more for annual wellness visits in 2012.

In Nevada, more than 26,700 seniors would pay $15 million more for prescription drugs in 2012 alone under the Republican plan.

By turning Medicaid into a block grant program, the Republican plan could cost Nevada at least 9,600 private-sector jobs over the next five years.

In Nevada, the Republican plan could cut $1.7 billion in federal health care funding for seniors and the disabled through Medicaid, including life-saving nursing home care.”